Touring exhibition: Transformations: Art of the Scott Sisters

Harriet and Helena Scott were two of 19th-century Australia's most prominent natural history illustrators.

'Transformations - The Art of the Scott Sisters'

About the exhibition

Beautiful and intricate, this stunning exhibition features up to 39 professionally mounted and framed reproductions of original watercolours by Harriet and Helena Scott.

Turn back the pages as you uncover the captivating story of these two extraordinary women whose love of nature and tremendous skill in rendering its beauty enabled them to distinguish themselves amid the male-dominated world of 19th century science. Many of their scientific illustrations are still used by scientists today.

The Scott sisters were among the first to illustrate the life histories and immature stages of Australian moths and butterflies. They were meticulous and understood the biology of their subjects in great detail.

The highlights of the exhibition are reproductions of watercolour paintings created between 1846 and 1851 for their father A.W Scott’s landmark publication Australian Lepidoptera and their Transformations.
Considered the finest examples of the sisters’ work, the paintings feature caterpillars in life-like poses, gorgeous butterflies, native flowers and stunning landscapes.

This is a rare chance for visitors to step back in time and absorb these watercolours while admiring the simple beauty of 19th century nature through the eyes of two young women whose pioneering work was praised for both the art and the science.

Exhibition details

Exhibition Specifications: Wall space for up to 39 hung frames.

Special Requirements: No special environmental conditions are required as the artworks are reproductions.

Accompanying Material Available: Graphic panel package, video footage and animated projections.

The Art of Science App: Explore the art of Harriet and Helena Scott through this specially-designed, interactive app. Your visitors can read biographies, learn about butterfly and moth species, and explore over 100 interactive illustrations. The app is free for all users. See more about the app here.

Touring itinerary

8 June to 21 July 2019 – The Swansea Centre, New South Wales, Australia
9 December 2019 to 21 February 2020 – Coalface Art Gallery, Moranbah, Queensland, Australia
10 June to 28 August 2022 - Museum of the Riverina, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
29 October 2022 to 25 February 2023 – Lavington Library, Lavington, New South Wales
11 March – 18 June 2023 – Redcliffe Museum, Redcliffe, Queensland
11 July to 12 August 2023 - Tableland Regional Gallery, Atherton, QLD
1 to 30 September 2023 – Grace Cossington Smith Gallery, Abbotsleigh School, Wahroonga, NSW
13 December 2023 to 25 February 2024 – Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton, Australian Capital Territory
6 April to 26 May 2024 - Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, Lilydale, Victoria

Make an enquiry

For more information on the Australian Museum touring exhibitions, please contact Louise Teteris, Project Coordinator, Touring Exhibitions.

The Scott Sisters Collection

With their collecting boxes, notebooks and paintbrushes, Harriet and Helena Scott entered the masculine world of science and became two of 19th-century Australia’s most prominent natural history illustrators.

History
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